Mary Alice Ford

Mary Alice Ford

Greenwood Springs – Mary Alice Noe Ford, 91, began her new life in Heaven on Friday, April 9, 2021. Born on July 22, 1929, in Tarrant City, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Hubert “Papa” Noe and Irma Protho “Momma” Noe.

Mary grew up in Alabama and graduated from Sulligent High School. She married the love of her life, Guy Ford, on March 28, 1946, and together they were blessed with four children. During her lifetime, she worked as a seamstress in many area factories including Glenn Manufacturing. Later in life, she became famous for her work in area restaurants. She was known as the “Cheese Stick Lady” at Mr. Gene’s restaurant as well as the “Fry Lady” at the famous Bill’s Hamburgers. Her adored career was when she was the cook for her family. She made incredible fried pies, fried chicken, mac and cheese, purple hull peas, and chicken and dumplings.

A true Proverbs 31 virtuous woman, some would say she was the cornerstone of the New Center Point Free Baptist Church. Her prayers were righteous and her quiet humble demeanor had a great impact on her family and fellow church members. Mary never said anything negative, always spoke life into others for the building of God’s kingdom. She loved everyone, lifted others up and would stay by your side through the hard times. A go getter, she had a strong will, sharp mind, and never stopped until she absolutely had to rest.

Her friends and family would tell you that she was the best, at everything. She loved them dearly and always sent Birthday cards that always arrived on that particular day. She cared about St. Jude and the Billy Graham Crusade Ministries. Some of her close friends will be Grace Scott and Joyce Berryhill. Mary liked to listen to Southern Gospel, especially The Gaithers and The State Line Harmonaires. Mary liked to grow flowers in her garden, get lost in a good mystery book, and work in word find and crossword puzzle books.

The Christian loving legacy she leaves behind will be passed on for generations. Her family is so thankful to God for the gift of Mary; the wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Left behind to treasure her memories are five generations of family members including her daughter, Wanda Hollis (Jimmy); son, Kenny Ford (Johnnie); grandchildren, Toni Knight (Shane), Jason East (Tiffany), Meredith Weathers (David), Guy Ford (Emily), Stephanie Tipton (Brandon), Daniel Ford (Leslie), Stephen Dale Ford, Nikki Burton (John), Stacye Edgil (Matthew), Shelly Roberts (C.J.), Jennifer Cook (Jason), Casey Hollis (Brittney); a multitude of great-grandchildren; brother, Glenn Noe (Lockie); daughter-in-law, Linda Ford; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Ford; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Grace Scott and Joyce Berryhill; and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her best friend, her husband, Guy Ford; daughter, Sandra East; son, Dale Ford; and brother, Harold Noe.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 3:00 pm at New Center Point Freewill Baptist Church, Splunge, with Bro. Heath Webb and Bro. Stephen Ford officiating. Burial will follow in Pickle Cemetery in Greenwood Spring, MS. Pallbearers will be Guy Ford, Daniel Ford, Casey Hollis, Kalum Cook, Justin Fore, Griffin Cook, Gatson Hollis, Jerron Woods, Cody Woods, and Jason East.


Visitation for friends and family will take place on Sunday at the church from 1:00 pm until the service time.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.